Superior gemellus muscle
Musculus gemellus superior
- Synonym: Gemellus superior muscle
- Related terms: Gemellus superior; Superior gemellus
Definition
The superior gemellus muscle is a small muscle located in the gluteal region of the lower limb that originates from the ischial spine, travels laterally and inserts into the medial surface of the greater trochanter of the femur, blending with the tendon of the obturator internus muscle to form the common tendon of the Obturator internus and Gemelli.
Origin: Spine of the ischium
Insertion: Obturator internus tendon
Nerve: Sacral plexus (S1, S2, S3)
Action: Rotates laterally thigh
Muscle group: Deep gluteal muscles; Lateral rotators of thigh; Short external rotators of the hip
Description: The Gemelli are two small muscular fasciculi, accessories to the tendon of the Obturator internus which is received into a groove between them. The Gemellus superior, the smaller of the two, arises from the outer surface of the spine of the ischium, blends with the upper part of the tendon of the Obturator internus, and is inserted with it into the medial surface of the greater trochanter. It is sometimes wanting.
References
This definition incorporates text from a public domain edition of Gray's Anatomy (20th U.S. edition of Gray's Anatomy of the Human Body, published in 1918 – from http://www.bartleby.com/107/).
